DRIFTWOOD ANNOUNCES FAMILY MEALS FOR AUGUST: MAKE BACK TO SCHOOL EASIER WITH HEALTHY READY-TO-SERVE MEALS
WHAT: School nights can be hectic and Driftwood, one of South Florida’s best-kept dining secrets, is here to take the stress out of dinner time. Imagine coming home after a long day of work, school and extracurricular activities to a delicious, ready-to-serve meal that the whole family will love. Driftwood’s family meals are designed to be both convenient and mouthwateringly delicious, making your evenings a little smoother and a lot tastier.
All dinners include milk bread and a house salad, with a choice of entrees for $85, and are designed to feed 4-6 people.
Rigatoni Bolognese: Housemade rigatoni, succulent pork and beef ragu, whipped ricotta and Parmigiano Reggiano. This comforting classic is packed with rich flavors and creamy textures that will satisfy any pasta lover.
Chicken N’ Dumplings: Fluffy ricotta dumplings and tender free-range chicken in a savory, heartwarming broth. A comforting dish for kids of all ages.
Shrimp N’ Grits: Fresh Key West pink shrimp, creamy Marsh Hen Mill grits, spicy n’duja and scallion. This vibrant and flavorful Southern classic adds a touch of heat to your weeknight dinners
ABOUT DRIFTWOOD: Driftwood was opened in 2017 by husband-and-wife duo Jimmy Everett and Ilia Gonzalez. The restaurant is dedicated to sourcing lcoal ingredients and forming partnerships with artisans and farmers who share their vision of quality and sustainability. Chef de Cuisine Tommy Coombs rounds out the team, bringing his passion for flavors and technique to the table. At Driftwood, every dish serves as a testament to their unified vision. Working closely with local fisheries, they offer daily fresh catches, along with free-range chicken, heritage pork, Florida-raised beef, and a variety of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes.
As we breeze into August, let’s pause for a moment to look back at some of the noteworthy moments discovered around Wellington this July.
The month began by writing wishes on colorful papers called Tanzaku and attaching them to bamboo branches on display from July 1st through 7th, at Village Hall, Village Park, and Wellington Community Center during Tanabata, the Star Festival, meaning “evening of the seventh.” This Japanese holiday originates from a legend of “star-crossed lovers” represented by the stars Altair and Vega which meet only one time each year on the seventh day of the seventh month, or the “midsummer night.”
If you missed your chance to make a wish at the beginning of July, the Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival was happy to oblige you with their Wishing Well, by accepting donations during free productions of King Lear at the Seabreaze Amphitheatre in Jupiter and Commons Park in Royal Palm Beach. This stellar performance blended a timeless presentation of archetypal antagonists with twists of modernity and unexpected brightness at the most harrowing moments. Lear had finally succumbed to a visceral dark madness into which he pulled the entire audience from lawn chairs and picnic blankets, when the house lights suddenly undimmed and fanciful music echoing the theme of the scene piped over the speakers, queuing a welcome intermission. As the play resumed, this extraordinary ensemble magnificently compelled the crowd through every carefully choreographed moment of the show. Did you miss it this year and wish for a chance to experience Shakespeare in the park or by the sea? This is the Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival’s thirty-fourth year in our community, so be sure to keep a lookout this time next year! Details are on their website at https://pbshakespeare.org.
Can’t wait until next summer for a little culture in your life? Take a look at what’s happening in August around town and maybe just a little south if you’re up for a day trip or weekend adventure.
Wish you had some local theatre shows to enjoy outdoors right here in Wellington? Theatre Arts Productions (TAPs) presents Mean Girls Jr. at the Wellington Amphitheater Friday, August 16 – Sunday, August 18 at 7:30 PM each night. Tickets are on sale through their website at https://www.tapstars.org/mean-girls-dates. The Wellington Amphitheater event calendar dates can be found here https://www.wellingtonfl.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=2304.
The Wellington Art Society (WAS) displays art all month at the Wellington Community Center, 12150 Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington. Local artists feature works for sale in overlapping exhibits open to the public. Calling all artists! Join WAS at this month’s meeting on Wednesday, August 14, 5:30 – 7:45 PM. Discover membership in this inclusive community art society. The WAS full calendar of events is available online at https://www.wellingtonartsociety.org/calendar.html.
If your Tanzaku wish last month was to visit Japan, but that’s a bit out of the way, you’re in luck because a day trip or weekend in Miami might be in the stars for you instead. The Spirit of Japan festival is happening August 16 to 18 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Find event details at https://www.miamiandbeaches.com/event/spirit-of-japan/295
***
Melanie Kafka has been a Wellington resident since 2011, which she decided was the perfect place to raise her two daughters after returning to Florida from serving in the United States Navy. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Palm Beach Atlantic University while developing her career as a Senior Project Engineer in the aerospace industry. She is also co-founder of the Wellington Ladies Golf Club, which serves to welcome women and girls into the sport of golf while promoting an atmosphere of inclusion on and off the course.
PALM BEACH, FL – American Humane is pleased to announce that their “No Animals Were Harmed®” (NAWH) program is growing. With offices in Palm Beach, Florida, and Los Angeles, California, American Humane works in association with the American film and TV industries to help ensure and protect the well-being of animal actors and promote the human-animal bond.
For the first time, all SAG-AFTRA productions shooting overseas will be exempt from animal monitoring fees and associated costs, enabling American Humane to keep more animals safe around the world, regardless of where a film is shot. The no-charge program monitoring animals to ensure they are safe on set will be expanded thanks to the generous support of the SAG-AFTRA Producers Industry Advancement Fund (IACF).
American Humane works with production personnel and trainers in the pre-production planning stage, monitors the animals on set during production, and enforces its guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media. They award the NAWH certification recognized by audiences around the world to productions that meet their rigorous standards and investigate allegations of mistreatment and cruelty.
American Humane’s “No Animals Were Harmed” program has been a trusted partner for the entertainment industry for more than 80 years, collaborating with thousands of productions to ensure the safety of millions of animals. When animal welfare is a priority, it raises the bar on safety throughout production.
To learn more about the “No Animals Were Harmed” program, visit humanehollywood.org.
Vita Nova at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on August 10th
Proceeds benefit Homeless Youth in Palm Beach County
WEST PALM BEACH, FL (July 31, 2024) Join Vita Nova at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter on Saturday, August 10, 2024, and experience the fun of America’s favorite pastime while helping support Vita Nova’s mission to eliminate homelessness for youth ages 18 to 25 years old in Palm Beach County.
Gates open at 5:00 pm, and at 6:00 pm, one of Vita Nova’s youth will throw out the first pitch to start the Mighty Mussels at Hammerheads baseball game!
All tickets purchased include a donation back to Vita Nova to support their mission. During the game, they will also auction off custom Vita Nova Jerseys worn by the Hammerheads to support Vita Nova’s youth.
Come early! The first 500 fans will receive a Noble Meyer Mini Bobblehead. Tickets are limited, so get yours today for $10. Visit https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/Vitanova2
About Vita Nova:
Vita Nova is a safe bridge to independence for former foster care, LGBTQ, and other homeless youth through supportive housing, education, employment, and life skills training. Vita Nova, Inc., located in West Palm Beach, Florida, is comprised of three components: the Spot, Housing (The Village), and Independent Living.
Vita Nova means “new life” in Latin and was founded by Father Leo Armbrust, a man who believed that foster youth deserved a better quality of care. Through the efforts of the Vita Nova team members, its volunteers, and its benefactors, older foster and homeless youth are allowed to lead lives characterized by independence, self-determination, and personal responsibility.
To learn more about Vita Nova or to donate, visit vitanovainc.org or call 561.689.0035.
Everyone talks about how important it is to save animals from animal shelters, but how many really take action? Dogs slumber in shelters every day, hoping to find their forever homes, but are euthanized before reaching their goal. Most people buy younger dogs from breeders, unaware that a more suitable companions may be an elderly dog waiting in a shelter for them.
According to the APPA, 34% of dogs are acquired from breeders, with 23% coming from animal shelters. Every year, over 6.3 million companion animals enter shelters throughout the country, and 56% of these animals are put down due to overcrowding, while these canines deserve to live a happy and healthy life in a decent home. The animal shelter system in the United States is extremely complicated, but it comes down to simple math: for the system to be balanced, the quantity of animals exiting a shelter must be greater than the number of animals entering. Right now, that is not the case.
Pitbulls are a breed of dog which has become overabundant in animal shelters. People always comment about how Pitbulls are one of the kindest and most loving dogs one can own, yet they are still frightened by them. When I went to an animal shelter around a month or two ago to film a video about adopting dogs from the facility, I had to go through it, and what I witnessed shattered my heart. Dozens of the dogs were Pitbulls that were as nice as could be and just wanted love and attention. Throughout the video we made, I was allowed to pet these Pitbulls, and it was clear how compassionate they are when given the opportunity. After seeing what I saw at the shelter that day, I made sure to show my two Pitbulls extra love when I came home. They are the best dogs I could have ever wished for.
Pitbulls are not the only dogs that are found in shelters, German Shepherds are also found populating different shelters. German Shepherds and Pitbulls are sometimes grouped together. They look to be a vicious kind of dog, aiding police officers and apprehending criminals, yet these fur babies aren’t always “on the job”. They, too, deserve affection and a forever home.
To summarize, dogs in shelters suffer various problems, but with more knowledge and community participation, we can significantly improve their lives. Adopting a shelter dog not only gives a deserving animal a loving home, but it also helps to reduce shelter overpopulation. By donating to local shelters, volunteering, and spreading the word, we can help more dogs find forever homes and enjoy the happy, healthy lives they deserve. Together, we can make a better future for these devoted, loving companions.
This month celebrates National Senior Citizens Day (August 21).
We all know and love a senior citizen – a parent, a partner, a neighbor, a friend – and as our loved ones grow older, we want to know how to best support them, both physically, mentally and emotionally.
In addition to being an engaged part of their lives, it helps to be diligent about changes and knowing what is considered “normal” and when you should seek medical attention.
Memory loss is a common occurrence as we age due to the shrinking of the hippocampus – a complicated structure located in the brain’s temporal lobe. It is most associated with memory, learning and emotion and as it shrinks, so does its capacity to maintain these functions.
Forgetfulness is a normal part of the aging process and can be influenced by a variety of factors ranging from sleep deprivation to stress and there is a wide gulf between common memory issues and serious memory problems such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
For example, forgetting which word to use is a common memory issue but being unable to recall the word even after receiving context cues may be indicative of a more serious memory issue.
“General forgetfulness such as going into a room and forgetting why you went in there, occasionally having trouble finding the right word, or forgetting where you put your car keys/purse is common as we age,” said Holly Hines, Dementia Care Coordinator at Liberty Senior Living, operators of Wellington Bay – a luxury senior living community in Wellington. “Dementia is not.”
When the conversation arises about assisted living or memory care, there are numerous factors to consider.
“There are many stages of Alzheimer’s and dementia and people need support at different levels,” said Wendy Paige, sales and marketing director of Wellington Bay. “In assisted living, we help with activities of daily living with no medical needs. Tasks like bathing, grooming, meals, driving to appointments, housekeeping and laundry as well as emergency response if there is a fall. We also provide activities to keep residents engaged and socializing with their peers.”
Memory Care is a level above Assisted Living and includes all of the above but also features special programming to support residents with memory loss including a higher level of oversight, increased safety measures and support groups for Alzheimer’s and dementia.
“As someone ages, whether this be with memory loss, physical changes, social changes, familial changes or other psychological changes, things must be adapted to the needs at that point in time,” said Haley Kinne-Norris, M.S., ADC, INSPIRE Wellness and Enrichment Coordinator at Liberty Senior Living, operators of Wellington Bay. “With memory decline, our job as caregivers is to provide them with opportunities to be who they are.”
“When forgetfulness becomes more frequent and interferes with daily tasks (driving, cooking, paying bills), dementia may be playing a role,” said Holly. “Sometimes doctors will want to perform a cognitive assessment to establish a baseline of someone’s cognitive abilities and I encourage people to have a conversation with their physician about any questions or concerns they may have.”
Summers may not be bug-free, so it’s important to explore ways to keep pests at bay. While store-bought repellent sprays are an option, natural methods effectively deter insects and, at the same time, promote a non-toxic environment for everyone. Herbs, with their aromatic properties, are excellent allies in repelling pesky bugs. They are easy to grow and maintain, so cultivating them at home provides a fresh supply of flavor to our dishes and a natural, effective, way to keep our living spaces bug-free.
Let’s discover some of the best herbs you can grow to repel bugs naturally:
Citronella
Citronella is the most well-known natural insect repellent. Its oil is commonly found in candles and sprays that have been specially designed to keep mosquitoes at bay. You can crush a few leaves and gently rub them on your skin to enjoy its repellent effects instantly. It can be grown in large pots or directly in the ground. To help the plant thrive, place it in a sunny location with six to eight hours of sunlight daily. It prefers rich, well-drained soil and loves warm climates. Water the plants regularly, but make sure the soil has good drainage.
Basil
This kitchen staple does more than add flavor to our favorite dishes. Basil’s strong scent effectively repels mosquitoes and flies, making it a must-have for any home. Placing pots of basil near outdoor seating areas or windows can help discourage insects from entering your home. Keep in mind that the plant thrives in warm, sunny locations, with well-drained soil. Plant basil after the last frost, and water it regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Pinch off the flower heads to encourage more leaf growth.
Rosemary
Rosemary is known for its robust flavor and doubles as a potent insect repellent. Its woody aroma deters mosquitoes and can be burned as incense outdoors to create a bug-free zone. The plant can grow in pots or garden beds, as long as it gets full sun for six to eight hours daily. Plant it in well-drained soil. Remember to water the plant evenly and be careful not to overwater, as this can cause root rot.
Mint
Mint’s refreshing scent is delightful to us but repels ants and flies. Planting mint around the perimeter of your garden or near entryways can deter pests from venturing too close. This herb grows best in moist, well-drained soil, and partial shade. It spreads quickly, so it’s best to plant it in containers to prevent it from taking over other plants. Regularly trim the plant to encourage bushier growth.
Sage
The strong, earthy scent of sage is effective at repelling unwanted insects such as mosquitoes, moths, and beetles, especially when the leaves are burned. You can make sage bundles by tying dried sage leaves together and burning them like incense. The plant thrives in full sun, so plant it in a sunny spot, and in well-drained soil. Water it sparingly, as it prefers dry conditions. Prune the plant regularly to encourage new growth and maintain its shape.
With these natural herbs, you can enjoy the warm season without the annoyance of buzzing insects. Plant them in hanging baskets on your balcony, pots on the patio, or window boxes by the kitchen to naturally ward off mosquitoes, flies, and other unwanted visitors. Let’s create a more peaceful and enjoyable environment for relaxation and gatherings with friends and family this summer!
Take a look at this article if you’re looking for spices to grow at home.
It’s the dog days of summer. Let’s face it – our summers are the Great North’s winter. We don’t go out unless it’s necessary. A trip outside, even first thing in the morning, you come back drenched in sweat. Not only is this uncomfortable but it’s dangerous. It’s estimated that 90% of people walk around dehydrated and kids become dehydrated easily simply because they are little.
At least that’s what I tell myself when I curl up on the couch during the day and watch movies with the kids. Yessss… we’re staying hydrated and cool AND we’re spending time together. All wins.
Then the guilt kicks in…all you are doing is sitting in front of the mind zapper. Le sigh…so now we have to get creative. Here are some fun things to do with the kids that will have you interacting, having fun and making memories.
Have a real tea party in the living room a la picnic style. Put down a large blanket, bust out the china, and make mint tea, cucumber sandwiches and such. Kids of all ages will get a real charge out of this.
Make your kids architects for a day. Give them sheets, clothes pins and tell them to build a fort. Move all of the breakable things to a safe place and let the kids design and create their own kingdom. And it’s not enough to sit back and let them do it… you can help or at the very least crawl into the space they created and marvel at their ingenuity.
Halloween is just around the corner. Buy some balloons, blow them up and cover them with paper mache. Place rubber bands on the balloons to create those distinctive pumpkin grooves. You might also want to incorporate a cardboard circle for the base so it will sit on its own. Wait for them to dry and then paint them. Will they last very long outside? No. But it’ll keep the littles busy and in Fall… can we have too many pumpkins??
Indoor Nerf gun fight. Yes I said it. And I’m giving you permission. Again, put your breakable things away. We used to do this a lot in my house. I’m still finding random Nerf darts. Channel your inner Helen Mirin from the movie Red. Those kids aren’t going to take you out!
5. When all else fails, and you just really need to get out of the house, don’t forget – kids bowl free at Greenacres Bowl. All you have to do is get the kids signed up. They send you passes. You could go every day!
Whatever you decide to do, here’s hoping you enjoy the summer with your kids. They’re only little for so long. Which translates into “they’ll only like you for so long.” Enjoy! I know I did.
I’ve met some of my dearest and talented friends at Village Music and Café in Wellington. It’s almost like it brings everything and everyone “full circle”; It is a magical place. The really interesting thing is, so many people that work in the educational field have a side hustle in the arts. I first met “Chris” in passing at the café and she was very sweet and funny. The next time I “met” her she was singing with a band called “Derailed”. She has a presence about her; an affinity for bringing out the best in people. The night I heard her sing, I was so impressed with her skilled guitar playing and flexible vocals. Months later, Chris inspired me to do the open mic for musicians instead of the writers’ night (I am not sure that she was even aware of this influence she had over me). One day I was going through a situation, and she said to me, “you’re Spicey, D – you can handle anything.” The name kind of stuck and (five years later) she has as well….
I chose her for this interview because I have always been intrigued by her and now, we get to “learn” together. Let’s dive into the interview.
The Magic of Music
AW: You currently work in the field of Education. What is your position?
CRW: I am actually a therapist in Wellington for a High School. I work in a third-party situation and get “stationed” at a particular school.
AW: Do you feel like music has affected your job in counseling?
CRW: Yes. I actually use music a lot of times to connect with the kids. I don’t play my own music to the kids, but I do play music in the background. Many times, it relaxes the kids and opens up the lines of communication. I don’t know how the kids would react if I sang to them. I don’t think they believe that I actually sing, lol. They are so used to seeing me in this particular “role”.
AW: When did you know that you could sing and also play guitar?
CRW : I think in middle school. But I have a funny story for you. I was actually at an assembly in Middle School, and I saw this girl go up on stage. I was in 6th grade, and she was in 8th grade. She came up and played “Stairway to Heaven” and I was in awe and said to myself, “I want to do that”. My friend had a lot of nerve to be able to do that. We got together and formed a Duo and sang around for fun parties. My friend would help with the vocals. But then when I went away to college and stopped singing, I literally felt a “hole” in my life. Fast forward, years later I was still missing music and I saw an advertisement for “Adult Band camp” at Village Music and Café in Wellington. So, I called Donna Willey, one of the owners and said, “I started music but never came back to it, do you think this might be a good opportunity for me?”. Donna was very encouraging and said, “definitely give it a try”. So, I realized my friend, John, was in the camp so I would know him at the camp, and it seemed like a good idea. I dragged my guitar out that night and went out that night and John and I practiced. We had all these plans to start a band and he said, “wait, you’re going to be the singer because you are the only one that can sing “and so that happened. I think it isn’t just about someone being able to sing lyrics, but you also have to have guts to be able to play in front of others-that is a real skill. When you play an instrument that is a big deal, but singing is very important. I always loved to sing for fun in the car, in the shower and just privately. I had a “rumors” album I loved and of course, Led Zeppelin but I wanted to make more of it. I was extremely nervous to sing in front of other people.
In fact, I still get nervous performing in front of other people but knowing that I would be “in charge of” the singing part and not the instrument part too made it less stressful, more organized, and feasible to do. I liked that everyone would have their own “part” and I could focus on my own part which would be the singing. I don’t enjoy solo gigs as much. Although, ironically, I did some Facebook lives solo where I sang to an audience because it was an outlet for me and others being so isolated during Covid. I even took requests and was shocked that it ended up being very successful. I don’t know where I got the nerve to do that. It started out as me doing a song for my uncle’s birthday and I didn’t realize that it was going out to everyone, not just him. I thought I would do it and send it right to him, but it went to everyone, and it became popular. I started doing different dedications without even practicing to many people who requested specific songs. I actually ended up getting some gigs out of that whole situation.
AW: Is it true that you are the lead singer for two different bands?
CRW: Yes. I sing for both bands and some of the band members have “overlapped”. Remedy plays more versatile music like Amy Winehouse and Maroon 5 where SoulShine mostly does Classic, and Rock and Roll.
AW: Who are the members of each band?
CRW: The Soulshine band consists of : Bob Lombardo, Lead Guitar; Gene Garrison, Bass and Ron Wuraftic, Drums. Remedy shares Lead Guitar, Bob Lombardo; John Hayes, Bass and Lenny Townsend, Drums. I do Vocals and Guitar for both.
AW: Is it challenging trying to balance your day job with your night job?
CRW: No, because I either practice one time a week for each band or sometimes it is just a few hours on a Tuesday night or a Saturday. Plus, we only have a few gigs a month. It really isn’t anything overwhelming at all. It is not a burden because it is more of an outlet. I enjoy it and also it is a great stress reliever. Also, I get to be with friends and make new friends.
AW: What are two of your favorite songs to sing?
CRW: I really like to sing “Angel from Montgomery” (by John Prine) and “Valerie” (by Mark Ronson). The songs I sing for the two bands are in different styles, so I get a variation of music. When I am with SoulShine, a lot of the song selections are male driven whereas when I play with Remedy, I can play some of the other songs. I like that I can “change things up” which shows flexibility in range and style and also good practice for me.
AW: Do you write and perform your own music, or do you mostly play covers?
CRW: We do mostly covers with both bands. I have written some things on my own but haven’t had the nerve to play them, yet…Maybe I will one day. I would love to do a band collaboration but that’s a really hard thing to do. We will see – I will work on that!
AW: What is something special about you that people don’t know?
CRW: I have a very close relationship with my sons; I am very proud of them. My youngest is in the Airforce and my oldest works Wellington Auto Collision. I tend to be very stubborn, but I am also a very positive person. Also, I am technically a social introvert, lol.
AW: What are your future plans for your music and in general?
CRW: I will keep working and go to Nashville in the Summer. But for now, I am going to go back to work on August 5th and do my thing. In the future, I would love to have a duo with another female; two singers or possibly incorporate a piano player. It is actually easier to get more gigs that way; People are more apt to hire two or three people than a full band.
When I retire, I would like to become a foster parent and also travel more.
Pictured below: Remedy.
Hitting All the Right Notes
I feel honored to know Christine Walsh-Ranieri, (“Chris” to all her friends and fans.) She is full of surprises and her music always makes you want to dance. I hope that you will treat yourself to see/hear some of her music either with SoulShine or Remedy. Once you meet Chris you’ll fall in love with her magnetic personality! She has played at other locations like Winston Trails’ Clubhouse, but my favorite place to see her is at Village Music and Café in Wellington Florida. You can go to their website to see when Remedy or SoulShine will be performing there next. Make sure you make reservations as both bands truly pack the house!
Notes: For more information on Adult Band Camp contact Donna or Steve Willey at Village Music and Café in Wellington.
Video clips of Chris Walsh-Ranieri with the SoulShine band below.
